Charlie's Golden Birthday

It's been way too long since I blogged. Life has been really busy lately, in a good way, but I had to write a little bit about Charlie's 2nd and 'golden' birthday! A few days ago, our son turned two. I told Dan that though I remember the excruciating pain of labor very clearly (people lie when they say you forget), it seemed so long ago. So much longer than two years. I can hardly remember Charlie being a "little" 8 lb, 12 oz., 21.5" baby. It's been a long time since he was easy to pick up and would sleep in our arms. It's been a joyful, challenging, and blessed two years. I have to say that each new stage of babyhood/toddlerhood has been my favorite. I can honestly say I've never wished Charlie was small again, only because I love seeing him grow up and learn about the world around him. I love seeing him "get it." Hearing him communicate with words is the sweetest thing! We are so blessed to have been entrusted with Charlie's little life thus far, and continue to pray that He would come to know and love the Author of his life as he grows.

All about 2 year old Charlie:

* He is getting his 3rd two year molar right now, and then he only has one more tooth to go!
* He is about 32 lbs and 33.5 inches tall
* He is a very cuddly little boy and loves to give hugs and back rubs/pats :)
* He started potty training a week before his birthday and has been very successful! We can actually say it was pretty painless! No more diapers (except for naps and nighttime). Hooray!
* He started saying (with much prompting) "I love Mama" or "I love Dada" ...if that's not the sweetest thing to hear from your child...!
* His favorite things are: cars, trucks, flags, sliding doors, clocks, stuffed animals (his "al-ih-gayah", "mo-mo" monkey, and "bear" especially), videos of himself, our phones, any and all food, his "Bi-boh"(Bible), books, his "fishies" (fish oil pills...haha), making faces (esp with his eyebrows), pushing toy shopping carts, and wrestling with Daddy.
* He knows some numbers and letters (his favorite of course is "C")
* His favorite songs are: "The Wheels on the Bus" and "If You're Happy and You Know It", though he doesn't yet sing much, just does the actions and laughs.
* He loves nursery at church (most of the time) and when they have snack time, the caregivers always report to us that he stops, puts down his beloved graham cracker, and folds his hands to pray with them (they pray over the children individually during snack time).

Since I am a terrible mother, I did not take one picture of Charlie on his actual birthday! We did video a little bit, but the kind of videos that only that child's parents like to watch, so won't bore you with those. I am hoping to take some 2 year pictures soon, but in the meantime...the pictures above and below are of Charlie enjoying one of his new presents...a circus tent! :)

Happy Birthday, sweet Charlie. You are the funniest little boy ever, and we love you!